Some of the best players in European soccer are set to clash when Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid meet in the Champions League round of 16.
For the first time since 2017, the Champions League knockout stage features a Madrid derby. After Real Madrid eliminated Manchester City from the competition in the knockout phase playoffs, the defending European champions were pitted against their La Liga rivals in the round of 16. Atlético Madrid come into the fixture with just one defeat in their last 26 matches across all competitions.
Both teams' recent form in the Champions League comes from their star-studded squads. From Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann up top to Antonio Rüdiger and Robin Le Normand at the back, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid have top-quality players at every position. Los Blancos will be missing the suspended Jude Bellingham, though, for the first leg of the tie.
Check out SI Soccer's combined XI ahead of the highly anticipated Madrid derby.






